Mobile gastronomic table for serving out food

ABSTRACT

A movable table for serving out food has an operating position for serving out food, and a transportation position for moving of the table. The movable table comprises at least two modules, each module comprising an automated transferring device, e.g. at least one conveyor belt, for transferring food receptacles from one end of the table to an opposite end thereof. The upper side of the transferring device in operating position forms a working surface of the table. The table is furthermore adapted for fixing a support above the table surface. Each module may be provided with a transferring mechanism for transferring food receptacles on the automated transferring device of that module when the table is in the operating position. The transferring mechanism of a module operatively connects as the table is into the operating position and operatively disengages when the table is brought into the transportation position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the U.S. National Stage of International ApplicationNo. PCT/EP2004/003775, filed Apr. 7, 2004, which, in turn, claims thebenefit of EP Application No. 03447084.9 filed Apr. 8, 2003.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a mobile table for serving out food anda method of operating the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A table for serving out food is a table that is used for systematicallyarranging or garnishing food on plates or dishes.

It is known that such tables for serving out food are often used in thefield of catering, for example in big restaurants where in a shortperiod of time a large number of plates need to be served outsubstantially equally. Tables for serving out food mainly consist oflarge tables, alongside which a plurality of persons can positionthemselves, generally standing, and across which plates or dishes aresystematically moved by hand from one end to the other. Each personstanding alongside the table carries out one of the required or desiredacts of serving out food and pushes the plate or dish towards a nextperson.

Usually these tables are made as long as possible, in order to be ableto fill a lot of plates or dishes in a short time period. However, theuse of these tables is almost only necessary at the moment when theplates or dishes need to be served. At other times, such large tablesmay be seen as cumbersome because they take up space in the kitchen whenthey are not needed.

Furthermore, in the field of mobile events and catering, often no tablessuitable for serving out food are present, or if any are present, theyoften are too small.

A portable or movable table for serving out food is known from PavoniItalia under the trademark Spiattina®. It comprises a motor block ontowhich two pivotable arms are connected, each arm comprising a conveyorbelt for transporting plates from one end of the table to another endthereof. In transport position, both arms are folded upwardly. In orderto place the portable table in an operating position, the motor block isplaced onto another, existing table, and both arms are brought in asubstantially horizontal position. Each arm is provided with supportinglegs which are placed onto the other table and which support the armswith the conveyor belts.

It is a disadvantage of the Spiattina® device that always another tablehaving the right dimensions for supporting the motor block and thesupporting legs needs to be present. Furthermore, when using theSpiattina® device, food to be put onto the plates needs to be stored onthe table underneath the Spiattina® device, or one must hold it inhis/her hand. This is not a very convenient way of working. Bending downto retrieve the food is not ergonomic and can result in back pain ortiredness.

Furthermore, in kitchens, and certainly in catering which is oftencarried out in places whit less stringent hygienic rules, a problem offood poisoning from contaminated food exists and is serious: manypersons get ill and thousands die each year from this cause. Foodpoisoning is due to pathogens, e.g. bacteria, which are delivered inhotels and restaurants on consumer's plates. Some of these pathogens aredangerous: for example the bacteria Escherichia coli strain 0157 ispotentially untreatable and may lead to renal failure, brain damage anddeath. Transfer of these bacteria often takes place bycross-contamination from contaminated meat to uncooked vegetables. It istherefore very important to keep kitchens and kitchen material as cleanas possible and to disinfect kitchen material on a regular basis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a table for servingout food that is suitable for being used in catering, i.e. that issuitable for being moved from one place to another and that isconvenient to work with.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a table forserving out that can easily be adapted to the needs of the personsserving out, and to the available space, i.e. to provide a table forserving out, the dimensions of which can easily be changed.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a movable orportable table for serving out food that is easy to clean and disinfect.

The above objectives are accomplished by a table for serving out foodaccording to the present invention.

The present invention provides a movable table for serving out food,comprising at least two modules. The table has an operating position forserving out food, and a transportation position for transporting thetable. The at least two modules comprise an automated transferringdevice for transferring food receptacles from one end of the table to anopposite end thereof, the upper side of the transferring device inoperating position forming a working surface of the table. Each of theat least two modules are provided with a transferring mechanism fortransferring food receptacles on the automated transferring device ofthat module when the table is in the operating position. Thetransferring mechanism of a module is operatively connectable to thetransferring mechanism of a neighbouring module as the table is broughtinto operating position and operatively disengaged when the table isbrought into the transportation position.

The table may furthermore comprise a device for bringing thetransferring mechanism of a module into operating condition with thetransferring mechanism of a neighbouring module. This device may be anautomatic coupling device or a manually operated coupling device.

If the operative connection is made automatically, i.e. the device forbringing the transferring mechanism of a module into operating conditionwith the transferring mechanism of a neighbouring module is an automaticcoupling device, then the operative connection is made as soon as thetable is brought in operating position. Due to the automatic engagingand disengaging of the different modules in operation respectivelystoring or transportation condition, no specific skilled or trainedpersons are needed to set the table up or to prepare it for transport orstoring. This can be done by conventional kitchen personnel.

If the operative connection between the transferring mechanisms of twoneighbouring modules is not made automatically, and the device forbringing the transferring mechanism of one module in co-operation or inoperation condition with the transferring device of a neighbouringmodule is a manually operated coupling device, then a further action orseries of actions are required. Examples of such manually operatedcoupling devices are e.g. a gear box for bringing a cog intoregistration with a gear or a clutch, or a lever to bring a shaft intocontact with a friction drive. The manually operable device can becombined with a locking device. Such locking device is useful so thatduring operation it is not possible to accidentally lift one module.Also, the transferring mechanism should, according to a preferredembodiment, only work when the modules are locked in place, otherwisethey may be misaligned and damage something if the transferringmechanism starts up. None of these further actions require anymachine-technical skills, and thus they can be performed by conventionalkitchen personnel.

According to the present invention, the transferring mechanism may bedriven by a motor, or it may be driven by the driving force of anothertransferring mechanism.

The transferring mechanism thus may, but does not need to, involve amotor, and if it does not involve a motor, it only involves somethingwhich allows the transferring device to operate. The table may comprisea single motor unit for all modules. As a motor unit is heavy, having asingle motor unit for the complete table makes the table lighter, andthus easier to handle during transport.

The table may furthermore be provided with means for fixing a supportabove the table surface. The means for fixing a support may be madeintegral with the table. The means for fixing a support may betelescopic with respect to the working surface of the table. Provisionof such means for fixing a support above the table surface allows foreasy serving out of food, without back pain or tiredness.

The modules may be foldable with respect to each other. When the modulesare folded with respect to each other, the table becomes easier tohandle during transport, and is easier to put aside in order not tooccupy excessive space e.g. in the kitchen.

A module can be disconnected if not needed.

The transferring device may comprise at least one conveyor belt. Thetransferring device may comprise two conveyor belts adjacent each other.

A table according to the present invention may furthermore comprise aset of collapsible legs for positioning the table. These legs may be,but do not need to be, provided with wheels for easier transport.

A movable table according to the present invention may furthermorecomprise cleaning means for cleaning the working surface of the table.The cleaning means may comprise a mechanical surface cleaning means suchas a scrapping device for scraping food from the working surface. Thetable may comprise disinfecting means for disinfecting the workingsurface. The disinfecting means may comprise a UV radiation unit.Alternatively, the disinfecting means may comprise a disinfectantspraying unit.

The table may furthermore comprise a heating unit and/or a cooling unitfor heating and/or cooling at least part of the working surface.

The present invention also provides a movable table for serving outfood, comprising at least two modules, the table having an operatingposition for serving out food, and a transportation position for movingof the table. Each of the at least two modules comprise an automatedtransferring device for transferring food receptacles from one end ofthe table to an opposite end thereof, the upper side of the transferringdevice in operating position forming a working surface of the table. Thetable is furthermore provided with means for fixing a support above thetable surface.

These and other characteristics, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following detailed description,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate,by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description isgiven for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of theinvention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attacheddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a movable table forserving out food according to the present invention, which is madepartially transparent, the table comprising three modules.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an embodiment of a table as in FIG. 1,comprising a small central unit onto which a support for one dish can befixed.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional front view and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectionaltop view of part of a table according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, which part contains the drive motor for a conveyor belt. Inthese drawings, the conveyor belt is not represented.

FIG. 4 illustrates the synchronous coupling between axes of drive rollsof two conveyor belts of different modules by means of a friction gearaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial top view of another embodiment of a table as in FIG.1, comprising a wider central unit onto which a support for two dishesnext to each other in the width direction of the table can be fixed.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a table as in FIG. 2, provided with heatingmeans.

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-section of a conveyor belt section of amodule.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of the racks used for supporting the conveyorbelts.

FIG. 9A is a front view of a second embodiment of a movable table forserving out food according to the present invention, the tablecomprising four modules and the table being in operation condition. FIG.9B and FIG. 9C are intermediate positions of the table 1 of FIG. 9A whenbeing folded or unfolded, i.e. when being moved from operation conditionto transportation condition or vice versa.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a table as in FIG. 1 comprising threemodules, made partially transparent, which table is folded so as to bein a transportation position.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a table as in FIG. 9A comprising fourmodules, which table is brought in a transportation position.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the folded table of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13A, FIG. 13B and FIG. 13C are top views of the table of FIG. 9C,FIG. 9B and FIG. 9A respectively.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-section of a central module of a tablein a folded position according to a further embodiment of the presentinvention, the central module comprising two foldable parts but only oneconveyor belt.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the view of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a central andintermediate module according to another embodiment of the presentinvention in three different positions; 1 view of a completely unfoldedtable and 2 views of a partially folded table.

FIG. 17 is a partially cut away perspective bottom view of theinterconnection between the central module and the intermediate moduleof the embodiment represented in FIG. 16.

In the different drawings, the same reference figures refer to the sameor analogous elements.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described with respect to particularembodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention isnot limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described areonly schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of someof the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale forillustrative purposes.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a first embodiment of a portable or movabletable 1 for serving out food according to the present invention. Thistable 1, in the embodiment shown, comprises three modules: a centralmodule 2 a and two end modules 2 b and 2 c, which in operating conditionare connected to each other. The present invention is not limited tothree modules but may include less, e.g. two, or more e.g. four or more.

At least the central module 2 a of a movable table 1 for serving outfood according to the first embodiment of the present inventioncomprises a central unit 3 a, as shown in FIG. 2, which is a top view ofa first embodiment of a table as shown in FIG. 1. Also end modules 2 b,2 c may, but do not need to comprise such central unit 3 b, 3 c. Thecentral unit 3 a, 3 b, 3 c is a hollow tube with a substantiallyrectangular cross-section, which may be formed, for example, by weldingtogether, preferably by continuous welding or by spot-welding, byscrewing or by gluing two profiles with a substantial U-shape. Thecentral unit 3 a, 3 b, 3 c extends substantially over the length of therespective module 2 a, 2 b, 2 c. The central unit 3 a, 3 b, 3 c issubstantially closed from the environment. The central unit 3 a of thecentral module 2 a may have a height which is different from, e.g.higher than, the height of the central units 3 b, 3 c of the end modules2 b, 2 c.

All modules 2 a, 2 b, 2 c comprise a working surface. The workingsurface of a module 2 a, 2 b, 2 c has a transferring surface fortransferring plates 5 from one end of the table 1 to an opposite end ofthe table 1, in a longitudinal direction L (in either of the senses). Itis to be understood that with “plates” 5 is meant any kind of foodreceptacles, such as plates, bowls, cups, dishes and others. Thetransferring surface comprises automated devices for transferring theplates 5, e.g. a robot or similar. For example, in the example shown inthe drawings the transferring surface comprises two conveyor belts 6 a,7 a; 6 b, 7 b; 6 c, 7 c for each module 2 a, 2 b, 2 c for conveyingplates 5 in longitudinal direction L of the table, the conveyor belts 6a, 7 a, 6 b, 7 b, 6 c, 7 c being placed adjacent each other intransverse direction T, each along one side of the respective centralunit 3 a, 3 b, 3 c if such central unit is present. Alternatively onlyone conveyor belt per module 2 a, 2 b, 2 c can be provided as well. Thefront view of FIG. 1 is made partially transparent, so as to show theposition of the individual transferring devices 6 a, 6 b, 6 c in themodules 2 a, 2 b, 2 c in the table 1.

Alternatively, instead of moving plates 5 by means of the transferringsurface, food or meals can be directly prepared on the transferringdevices 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, or it can be prepared directly onone of the transferring devices, for example on transferring device 6 b,and then put on a plate 5 on the next transferring device 6 a.

The working surface of an end module 2 b, 2 c may furthermore comprise awaiting area (not represented in the drawings), which is an area atwhich plates 5 are no longer transferred. A waiting area may be providedat both end modules 2 b, 2 c, at the extremities located away from thecentral module 2 a, or only at one end module. If a first and a secondwaiting area are provided, respectively before and after thetransferring surfaces formed e.g. by conveyor belts 6 b, 6 c, 7 b, 7 c,seen in the direction of movement of the plates 5, then on the firstwaiting area, for example, empty plates may be gathered, ready for beingserved out. A first person at the serving out table 1 takes an emptyplate from a stack on the first waiting area, and starts the process ofserving out food. At the second waiting area, completed plates aregathered, ready for being taken away by waiters and waitresses for beingserved to the customers.

The conveyor belts 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c may be made from anymaterial which is suitable for use in a kitchen and which is easy toclean, such as for example a belt of which at least the outer surfaceconsists of stainless steel, of which the extremities are connected, forexample welded together by laser-welding, so as to form an endless belt.In a practical embodiment, the conveyor belts 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 7 a, 7 b, 7c may consist of a thin sheet of stainless steel, for example having athickness of about 0.3 mm. By using conveyor belts 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 7 a, 7b, 7 c of stainless steel, the table 1 has the advantage that theworking surfaces are very suitable for being used in kitchens, for theuse of stainless steel is hygienic. A surface of stainless steel caneasily be cleaned. The working surfaces have a limited height, forexample are about 16 cm high.

The transferring surface of a module 2 a, 2 b, 2 c as illustrated inFIG. 1 and FIG. 2 comprises at least one conveyor belt 6 a, 7 a, 6 b, 7b, 6 c, 7 c. The at least one conveyor belt 6 a, 7 a of one of themodules, preferably, and as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, of the centralmodule 2 a, has a drive motor 9 and the at least one conveyor belt 6 a,7 a and its drive motor 9 are preferably located in a positionapproximately at the same height to form a slab-shaped table 1 ratherthan box-shaped. The drive motor 9 is preferably located in a positionso that the thickness of the table 1 in the vertical direction is keptsmall, for example 20 cm or smaller.

Movement of the at least one conveyor belt 6 a, 7 a of one module, inthe example illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 of the central module 2 a,is driven by the drive motor 9 provided in the central unit 3 a, asillustrated in FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3B, which drive motor 9 is coupled to adrive roll 10 of the conveyor belt 6 a, 7 a by means of a gear box 11. Aworm drive may be used for example, which drives an axis 12 forrotation. However, any other speed-transforming transmission may be usedwhich reduces the rotational frequency of the drive motor 9 andtransforms this rotation into a rotation of an axis 12. Over the axis 12is provided the first cylinder 10, which drives the belt 6 a, 7 a. It ispossible to have this first cylinder 10 made of rubber or any othermaterial which provides friction between the cylinder 10 and the belt 6a, 7 a. Preferably, the cylinder 10 is made from stainless steel andprovided with O-rings (not represented in the drawings). Three or fourO-rings are sufficient for providing enough friction between the firstcylinder 10 and the conveyor belt 6 a, 7 a, so as to be able to drivethe conveyor belt 6 a, 7 a. This embodiment is very hygienic and easy toclean: the O-rings can be taken off and can be washed, e.g. in adishwasher. Also the first cylinder 10 can be cleaned. Furthermore, aseal 13, such as a V-seal or a quadring, is provided between the firstcylinder 10 and the central unit 3 a.

At the other end of the belt 6 a, 7 a, a similar cylinder 14 (FIG. 1) isprovided on an shaft or axle 15 around which it can turn. One or moresupporting cylinders 16 may be, but do not need to be, provided forsupporting the conveyor belt 6 a, 7 a. According to a preferredembodiment, these supporting cylinders 16 may be used for supporting theconveyor belt 6 a, 7 a when bringing the table 1 into non-operationcondition, as explained below.

The drive of the at least one conveyor belt 6 a, 7 a may be continuousor intermittent.

The conveyor belt 6 b, 6 c of an end module 2 b, 2 c connected to thecentral module 2 a is operatively connectable. This means it is drivenby means of a coupling, preferably a flexible coupling whichautomatically locates itself to be operatively linked with the drive ofthe central module when the end modules 6 b, 6 c are brought into theoperation position. The flexible coupling may for example comprise aspinloaded dog-clutch, e.g. a friction wheel 17 or a gear for example,as shown in detail in FIG. 4. Therefor, the conveyor belt 6 b, 6 c isalso provided around two parallel cylinders or rolls 18, 19. One ofthose rolls 18 is driven by one of the rolls 10, 14 of the centralmodule 2 a, by means of the flexible coupling, for example by means of afriction wheel 17. The other roll 19 in the end module 2 b, 2 c is afree running roll.

The modules connected to the central module 2 a may either be endmodules 2 b, 2 c as described above, and as illustrated in the drawings,or intermediate modules (not represented in the drawings). Intermediatemodules differ from end modules 2 b, 2 c in that they are provided, atone of their extremities, with means for forming the flexible coupling,such as with a friction wheel 17 or a toothed wheel for example. In thatcase, either a further intermediate module or an end module 2 b, 2 c maybe connected to the intermediate module already connected to the centralmodule 2 a. Instead of end modules 2 b, 2 c, intermediate modules may beused at the end of a table 1 according to the present invention, inwhich case the flexible coupling, such as the friction wheel 17 of theintermediate module used as an end module, has no real use anymore. Thismakes the system really versatile: as many modules as needed may beconnected to each other in an easy way so as to obtain a long table 1:Intermediate modules, i.e. modules comprising means for realising theflexible coupling, are necessary in between two neighbouring or adjacentmodules.

A covering lid 50 is provided for closing off the extremities of thecentral unit 3 a, 3 b, 3 c. The conveyor belts 6 b, 7 b, 6 c, 7 c stickout uncovered at the extremities of the modules. Alternatively, a cover51 (see FIG. 5) may be provided for covering the extremities of theconveyor belts 6 b, 7 b, 6 c, 7 c, which cover 51 may slide over theextremities of the conveyor belts 6 b, 7 b, 6 c, 7 c and may serve as awaiting area.

An end wall 20 may be provided with cut-outs or other openings at thatside of a module 2 a, 2 b, 2 c intended to be contacted with anothermodule, either to allow the flexible coupling of a module to stickthrough the wall 20 of that module, or to allow the flexible coupling ofa first module 2 a to enter a second module 2 c so as to engage thedrive of that module 2 c. This can be seen in FIG. 4.

Instead of a movable table 1 with 3 modules as described above withregard to FIG. 1, according to the first embodiment, a movable tablewith another number of modules, such as 5 modules (not represented inthe drawings), can for example be provided. In that case, a centralmodule 2 a is provided, which has a transferring surface such as aconveyor belt driven by a drive motor 9. At each extremity of thecentral module 2 a, an intermediate module may be provided; and at thefree extremities of the intermediate modules, an end module 2 b, 2 c maybe provided. The conveyor belts of the intermediate modules are drivenby the movement of the conveyor belt of the central module 2 a by meansof a flexible coupling such as a friction wheel 17. The movement of theconveyor belts of the intermediate modules in turn drives the conveyorbelts 6 b, 7 b, 6 c, 7 c of the end modules 2 b, 2 c, again by means ofa flexible coupling such as a friction wheel 17.

This way, all conveyor belts 6 a, 6 b, 6 c at one side (for example seenin front view) of the table 1 have a synchronised movement. Furthermore,modules 2 b, 2 c are automatically engaged when they are connected inoperating position to a previous module 2 a. A hinging connection 22 maybe provided between two neighbouring modules 2 a, 2 b; 2 a, 2 crespectively, in which two modules are connected to each other e.g. byputting a pin in an eye on the interconnecting extremities of bothmodules. No chains need to be put in place in order to drive a furthermodule 2 b, 2 c from a previous module 2 a. The driving interconnectionis made automatically when the modules are put in working position.

As the conveyor belts 6 a, 6 b; 6 a, 6 c; 7 a, 7 b; 7 a, 7 c in eachmodule are separate from each other, a valley will be formed at theinterconnection location of two modules, the depth of which is dependingon the radius of the rolls or cylinders 10, 14, 18, 19 driving orguiding the conveyor belts 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c. In order toprevent food to move or roll around on a plate 5, or sauce or otherliquids to spread over the plate 5, a plate supporting roll 23 may beprovided, so as to level the working surface at the interconnectionlocation between two neighbouring modules 2 a, 2 b; 2 a, 2 c. This platesupporting roll 23 supports a plate 5 in its movement from one conveyorbelt to another, in order to keep the plate 5 as horizontal as possible.

Preferably, the central unit 3 a, 3 b, 3 c does not extend more than 5cm, preferably not more than 2 cm above the working surface. The topwall 24 or a side wall 25 of this central unit 3 a, 3 b, 3 c can beprovided with a means for fixing a device above the table surface, i.e.above the working surface. A device can for example be a support 26which can be used to put dishes 27 with food ingredients upon. The meansfor fixing a device above the table surface may be holes in the centralunit 3 a, 3 b, 3 c into which e.g. a support 26 can be connected e.g. byclicking it in. Alternatively, the means for fixing a device above thetable surface may be a telescopic tube onto which a device, e.g. asupport 26, can be removably attached with any suitable means. Suchtelescopic tube may be driven so as to slide in and out the central unit3 a, 3 b, 3 c when needed. According to still an alternative embodiment,brackets may be provided, for example fixed on the side wall 25 of thecentral unit 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, into which a device, such as supportingmeans 26 for supporting dishes 27, can be clipped. These brackets arepreferably made from supple plastic materials or from stainless steel.They can for example be fixed on the side wall 25 of the central unit 3a, 3 b, 3 c by welding or by screwing. The dishes 27 may contain theingredients for the meal to be served out. Having dishes 27 close to theconveyor belts 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c and above them has theadvantage that the ingredients to be used are readily available andeasily served out. If the supports 26 are not fixed too high above thecentral unit 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, the ingredients can be taken from the dishes27 and put on a passing plate 5 with a small movement of the hand. Thetop surface 24 of the central unit 3 a, 3 b, 3 c may be relativelysmall, while, however, big dishes 27 can be placed onto it, because itis no problem if the dishes 27 extend over the edge of the central unit3 a, 3 b, 3 c and over the conveyor belts 6 a, 7 a, 6 b, 7 b, 6 c, 7 c,without hindering the movement of the plates 5 on the conveyor belts 6a, 7 a, 6 b, 7 b, 6 c, 7 c. FIG. 2 shows a top view of an embodiment ofa table 1 as represented in FIG. 1, in which only one dish 27 isprovided in transversal direction T between two conveyor belts 6 b, 7 b.FIG. 5 shows a partial top view of an embodiment of a table 1 asrepresented in FIG. 1 in which two dishes 27 are provided in transversaldirection T between two conveyor belts 6 b, 7 b. In the embodiment ofFIG. 5, the central units 3 a, 3 b, 3 c may have, but do not need tohave, a larger width in transversal direction than the central units 3a, 3 b, 3 c in the embodiment of FIG. 2.

Another device which can be fixed above the table surface may be aheating unit 28. One or a plurality of the modules 2 a, 2 b, 2 c of thetable 1 may be provided with a heating unit 28 which, when switched on,keeps the dishes 27 and the food therein as well as the plates 5 and thefood placed thereon hot, which plates are put on a correspondingconveyor belt 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c. The heating unit 28 may forexample comprise infra-red (IR) heating devices. The purpose of theheating devices is not necessarily to warm up plates 5 and the foodthereon, but to prevent that they cool down.

Another device which can be fixed above the table surface may be acooling device. One or a plurality of the modules 2 a, 2 b, 2 c of thetable 1 may be provided with a cooling unit which, when switched on,keeps the dishes 27 and the food therein as well as the plates 5 and thefood placed thereon cold, which plates are put on a correspondingconveyor belt 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c.

The heating unit 28 or cooling unit may be provided in the middle of thetransversal width of table 1, as illustrated in FIG. 2, so as to keepfood on plates 5 and dishes 27 warm or cold at either side of thecentral units 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, or it may be provided just on one side, ifa separate hot and a cold section are provided. The mounting of aheating unit 28 at the centre of the transversal width of table 1 isillustrated in the side view of FIG. 6. A heating unit 28 is supportedby a supporting pillar 29, from which the heating unit 28 can bedetached. The supporting pillars 29 may for example be telescopic tubeswhich can disappear into the central unit 3 a, 3 b, 3 c when they arenot in use. Alternatively, the supporting pillars 29 may be detachablepillars provided with temporarily fastening means for temporarilyconnecting them onto the central units 3 a, 3 b, 3 c. The temporarilyfastening means may for example comprise a click system for clicking thepillars 29 in or onto corresponding parts in or on the central units 3a, 3 b, 3 c. According to still another embodiment, the supportingpillars 29 may be foldable. Generally a heating unit 28 will comprisethree or four heating devices, each of which can be switched on or offindividually, depending on the need of it being used. Temperature can becontrolled by means of a potentiometer on a control panel 41.

A further removable supporting pillar 30 may be provided onto whichsauce dispensers 31 may hang, as well as possibly other accessories.These supporting pillars 30 may also be telescopic tubes which maydisappear completely into the central unit 3 a, 3 b, 3 c when they arenot in use. Alternatively, the supporting pillars 30 may be detachablepillars provided with temporarily fastening means for temporarilyconnecting them on the central units 3 a, 3 b, 3 c. The temporarilyfastening means may for example comprise a click system for clicking thepillars 30 in or onto corresponding parts in or on the central units 3a, 3 b, 3 c. According to still another embodiment, the supportingpillars 30 may be foldable.

In the above embodiments, above the working surface, detachableillumination devices (not represented in the drawings) may be provided,which illuminate the working surface itself. Again, these detachableillumination devices may be provided on supporting pillars, which may betelescopic tubes onto which the illumination devices can be fixed, andwhich telescopic tubes can completely disappear into the central unit 3a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d.

A vertical cross-section of a part of the table 1 can be seen in FIG. 7.A part of a cross-section of e.g. a central unit 3 a of a module 2 a isprovided, and a cross-section of one of the conveyor belts 6 a. However,FIG. 7 is illustrative for a cross-section of any module of the table 1of the present invention. Therefore, where there is referred, in thedescription relating to FIG. 7, to devices having a reference numberfollowed by a letter “a”, this could equally well refer to a same devicehaving a same reference number but followed by a letter “b” or “c”.

Conveyor belt 6 a rotates around two cylinders 10, 14, one of which isdriving the conveyor belt 6 a, so that the conveyor belt 6 a, has anupper part 32, which is the part of the conveyor belt 6 a used fortransferring plates 5 or food. The conveyor belt 6 a also has a lowerpart 33, which is the part of the conveyor belt 6 a moving back in theopposite direction as the movement of the plates 5 or food.

The upper part 32 of the conveyor belt 6 a is supported by a set of sidebeams 34, for example fixed at regular intervals at the central unit 3a, below the upper part 32 of the conveyor belt 6 a and extending overthe transversal width thereof. On these side-beams 34, racks 35 aremounted, so as to form a grid-like structure. Preferably these racks 35are made out of plastics material and/or stainless steel, and they helpin supporting the conveyor belt 6 a. They are illustrated in FIG. 8. Arack 35 is fixed e.g. by clicking between every two neighbouring sidebeams 34, or by sliding it over a side beam 34. These racks 35 can beeasily demounted, also by clicking or sliding, and can then be washed,for example in a dishwasher in order to clean them. The side beams 34are preferably cylindrical in cross-section. A seal 36, for example asilicon seal, is provided between the conveyor belt 6 a and the centralunit 3 a in order to prevent food and liquid to fall into the conveyorbelt section 37.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1,the lower part 33 of the conveyor belt 6 a may be supported by aconveyor belt support roll 16.

At the front side of a module 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, and thus at the front sideof a conveyor belt 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c a cover panel or frontpanel 21 is provided (this cover panel 21 is taken away or madetransparent in FIG. 1). This cover panel 21 preferably is C-shaped orinverse C-shaped in vertical cross-section, this C-shape or inverseC-shape having a back, an upper leg and a lower leg, with the lower legof the C-shape extending up to the central unit 3 a, 3 b, 3 c where itis connected, as can be seen in FIG. 7. A further sealing 39, forexample a silicon seal, is also provided between the conveyor belt 6 aand this cover panel 21, which sealing 39 also prevents food and/orliquids to enter the conveyor belt section 37.

FIG. 9A shows a front view of a second embodiment of a table 1 forserving out food according to the present invention, this table 1comprising four modules 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d which in operatingcondition are fixed to each other. The parts inside each of the modulesare as the parts inside the modules 2 a, 2 b, 2 c of the firstembodiment as described above; only the way of folding modules withrespect to each other for transport is different in both embodiments.

A first module 40 a of the modules corresponds to the central module 2 ain the first embodiment and the transferring surface thereof is directlydriven by means of a drive motor 9 as described with respect to thefirst embodiment. A second module 40 d corresponds to an intermediatemodule as described with respect to the first embodiment of the presentinvention, while the modules 40 b and 40 c correspond to end modules asdescribed with respect to the first embodiment.

Further details about components of the table 1 of the second embodimentcan readily be recognised from the drawings and are not explained herein further detail. They are as in the first embodiment. Like elementshave like reference numbers.

In both embodiments, power supply cables (not represented) to the driveunit (drive motor 9) are provided, as well as power supply cables e.g.for the heating unit 28. The heating unit 28 is attached onto supportingpillars 29, as represented in FIG. 1 and FIG. 9A. The power supplycables for the heating unit 28 run through the central unit 3 b andmount towards the heating unit 28 through the supporting pillars 29.Power supply cables to the illumination devices also run through thecentral unit 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d and mount towards the illuminationdevices through the supporting pillars.

According to a third embodiment of the present invention, a four-moduleimplementation of a table 1 for serving out food may be provided,comprising a central module 45 a, an intermediate module 45 d connectedat one extremity of the central module 45 a, and two end modules 45 b,45 c, one end module 45 b connected to a free extremity of theintermediate module 45 d and one end module 45 c connected to a freeextremity of the central module 45 a. Contrary to the previousembodiments, the central module and the intermediate module are notindividual modules, as they share a transferring device, such as aconveyor belt 46. If two conveyor belts are provided, one at each sideof the table 1 in transversal direction, then the central module 45 aand the intermediate module 45 d share two conveyor belts. Therefore,the central module 45 a and the intermediate module 45 d cannot bephysically disconnected from each other. However, both modules 45 a, 45d can be folded with respect to each other, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16.The components of the central module 45 a and the intermediate module 45d are as the ones of the central module 40 a and intermediate module 40d of FIGS. 9A-9C, except for the flexible coupling between the centralmodule 45 a and the intermediate module 45 d, which flexible couplingautomatically locates itself to be operatively linked when the table 1is brought in operation condition. Such flexible coupling between thecentral module 45 a and the intermediate module 45 d is not necessary,as both modules 45 a, 45 d share the same conveyor belt or conveyorbelts 46. The conveyor belt 46 is driven by means of a drive roll 10driven by a motor 9 as in the previous embodiments, and thus not furtherexplained here again. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, noend modules 45 b, 45 c are represented. Such end modules 45 b, 45 c maybe connected to the hinging connections 22 as explained above withregard to the first embodiment of the present invention. In theembodiment represented in FIGS. 14 and 16, end modules 45 b, 45 c to beconnected to the intermediate module 45 d or to the central module 45 aneed to be provided with means for realising the flexible coupling whichautomatically locates itself to be operatively linked with the drive ofthe central module 45 a or with the drive of the intermediate module 45d, for example with a friction wheel 17. Alternatively (not representedin FIG. 14) such means, e.g. such friction wheel 17, may be provided atappropriate locations on the central module 45 a and on the intermediatemodule 45 d.

It is an advantage of a table 1 according to this third embodiment thata lot of components may be left out, such as two drive rolls for theconveyor belt 46, as well as a flexible coupling between the centralmodule 45 a and the intermediate module 45 d, which flexible couplingautomatically locates itself to be operatively linked with the drive ofthe central module 45 a.

A table according to the above embodiment may also be provided withmeans (not represented in FIG. 14) for fixing a device above the tablesurface, the details whereof are the same as the ones given with regardto previous embodiments. Furthermore, a table according to thisembodiment is also provided with power supply cables (not represented inFIG. 14).

A table according to the embodiment represented in FIG. 16 differs fromthe other embodiments above in that more than one conveyor belt supportrolls 16 are provided to support the conveyor belt 6 a. These supportrolls 16 not only support the conveyor belt 6 a in the unfolded positionof the table 1 (part a of FIG. 16), but also support the conveyor belt 6a in the folded position of the table (not represented in FIG. 16) andin any intermediate position during folding of the table 1 (representedin parts b and c of FIG. 16). In order to obtain this, the support rolls16 are provided on support roll movement means (not represented in thedrawings) which enable the support rolls 16 to slightly move sidewardly,i.e. in the longitudinal direction L, during folding of the table 1.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the central unit 3 a of the centralmodule and the central unit 3 d of the intermediate module have arounded shape at that side where they have to hinge or have to be foldedwith respect to each other. Instead of the hinge 43 as in FIG. 14,toothed hinging means are used, as represented in more detail in FIG.17. These toothed hinging means comprise teeth 70 on one of the centralunits 3 a, and corresponding holes 71 on the other central unit 3 d.when folding or unfolding the table 1 the teeth 70 and the correspondingholes 71 mesh, this way providing a hinging connection. Preferably, asrepresented in FIG. 17, both teeth 70 and holes 71 are provided on bothcentral units 3 a, 3 d, corresponding holes 71 and teeth 70 beingprovided at suitable location on the other of the central units 3 d, 3 arespectively.

In all the embodiments, a stationary control panel 41 may be providedwhich comprises a plurality of switches, such as knobs or handles, forcontrolling a plurality of actions. The stationary control panel 41 ismounted on the table 1. According to another embodiment, instead of astationary control panel, a remote control (not represented in thedrawings), for example using IR beams, may be provided. Such remotecontrol may for example be carried in one's pocket, or it may beremovably attached onto the table 1, e.g. by a magnet. Hereunder,control switches will be described as if such stationary control panel41 were provided.

A first set of switches is provided for left or right movement of theconveyor belts 6 a, 7 a, 46. This first set of switches sendsappropriate signals to a control unit controlling the drive mechanism ordrive motor 9 of the conveyor belts 6 a, 7 a, 46. According to oneembodiment, both conveyor belts 6 a, 7 a may be driven by the same drivemechanism or drive motor 9, i.e. at the same time and at the same speed.According to another embodiment, both conveyor belts 6 a, 7 a may bedriven separately, i.e. they may be driven independently, with differentspeeds. The first set of switches also comprises switches, e.g.potentiometers, for setting the speed of each of the conveyor belts 6 a,7 a, 46. The conveyor belts 6 a, 7 a, 46 may be driven continuously orintermittently. By driving the conveyor belts 6 a, 7 a, 46, and by theflexible coupling as described above, also the other conveyor belts 6 b,6 c, 7 b, 7 c of the working surface are driven.

A second set of switches may be provided for switching on or off theillumination for illuminating the workspace or working surface.

A third set of switches is provided for switching the heating devices ofthe heating unit 28 on or off, and for setting the temperature of eachof the heating devices. Switches may also be provided for switching thecooling devices of the cooling unit on or off, and for setting thetemperature of each of the cooling devices.

An emergency brake may be provided, e.g. for stopping the movement ofthe conveyor belts 6 a, 7 a, 46 and consequently also of the otherconveyor belts 6 b, 6 c, 7 b, 7 c in case for example the second waitingarea gets too full, in order to prevent plates 5 from falling on thefloor. This emergency brake may be operated by an operator, or it may beoperated automatically. In this latter case, a detector for detectingthe status of e.g. the second waiting area is provided, for example anoptical detector, and sends a corresponding status signal to a controlunit. This control unit sends a break signal to the drive motor 9 of theconveyor belt if needed.

The use of the table 1 according to the present invention is in shortexplained hereinafter.

When a table 1 for serving out food according to the first embodiment ofthe present invention has to be used, it is unfolded. In first instance,it is in a folded position, as shown in FIG. 10. Either the legs 42 or asupporting frame, for example a stretcher-type of frame, are unfoldedand put on the ground, or the legs 42 or supporting frame are taken off,and the central module 2 a of the folded table 1 is put on a supportingsurface, such as another table for example. Thereafter, the first andsecond end modules 2 b, 2 c are unfolded, i.e. they are brought in asubstantially horizontal position, next to and in a direct line with thecentral module 2 a. The result is shown in FIG. 1. By doing this, theflexible couplings between conveyor belts 6 a, 7 a in the central module2 a and conveyor belts 6 b, 7 b, 6 c, 7 c in the end modules 2 b, 2 cautomatically engage under the weight of the end modules 2 b, 2 c. Ifneeded or desired, further modules (not represented in the drawings) maybe attached to the end modules 2 b, 2 c (the end modules 2 b, 2 c mustthen have the form of an intermediate module as described above), orsuperfluous modules 2 b, 2 c may be taken off. At least one device isfixed above the table surface, for example by drawing out off any of thecentral units 3 a, 3 b, 3 c and/or by clicking in into any of thecentral units 3 a, 3 b, 3 c means for fixing the at least one device.The device may be a support 26 onto which dishes 27 may be placed, asauce dispenser 31, a heating unit 28, a cooling unit, an illuminationdevice, or any other suitable device. The means for fixing the devicemay for example be removable pillars which are removably attached to thecentral unit 3 a, 3 b, 3 c for example by clicking, or pillars of atelescopic type which can be drawn out from the central unit 3 a, 3 b, 3c.

When a table 1 for serving out food according to the second embodimentof the present invention has to be used, it is unfolded. In firstinstance the table 1 is in a folded position, as shown in side view inFIG. 11, or in top view in FIG. 12. Two halves of the table 1 are hingedaround a first hinge 43 (FIG. 12) so as to bring them in line with eachother, as shown in top view in FIG. 13A. The modules 40 a, 40 b, 40 c,40 d of the table 1 now still are in a vertical position, as shown moreclearly in the side view of FIG. 9C. The modules 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 dare then turned over 90°, so as to be in a horizontal position, as shownin a transparent top view in FIG. 13B, or in the side view of FIG. 9B.As can be seen from FIG. 9B, two modules 40 b, 40 d are on top of eachother. Also modules 40 c and 40 a are on top of each other. The uppermodules 40 b, 40 c are then folded open, so as to bring them in asubstantially horizontal position next to and in line with the modules40 a, 40 d. By doing this, the flexible couplings between conveyor belts6 a, 7 a in the central module 40 a and conveyor belts 6 b, 7 b, 6 c, 7c, 6 d, 7 d in the other modules automatically engage. Here again,further modules (not represented in the drawings) may be attached to themodules already present, if the modules already present have the form ofan intermediate module as described above, or superfluous modules may betaken off. At least one device is fixed above the table surface, forexample by drawing out off any of the central units 3 a, 3 b, 3 c and/orby clicking in into any of the central units 3 a, 3 b, 3 c means forfixing the at least one device. Supports and devices can be as explainedabove with regard to the first embodiment.

When a table 1 for serving out food according to the third embodiment ofthe present invention has to be used, it is unfolded. In first instancethe table 1 is in a folded position, as shown partially incross-sectional side view in longitudinal direction L in FIG. 14, or ina cross-sectional side view in transversal direction T in FIG. 12. Theunfolding will be done substantially as in the second embodiment, theonly difference being that there is no automatic engaged couplingbetween the central module 45 a and the intermediate module 45 d whenthe table is brought in operation condition, as both modules share thesame conveyor belt.

To serve out a large number of plates, in both the first and the secondembodiments, the conveyor belts 6 a, 7 a are started, driven by thedrive motor 9, and one after one, plates 5 are e.g. put at the conveyorbelt 6 b, 7 b at the upstream side of the conveyor belts 6 a, 7 a.During transportation of the plates 5, people standing next to the table1 serve out food. The completely served out plates 5 are taken away atthe conveyor belts 6 c, 7 c at the downstream side of the conveyor belts6 a, 7 a.

In case the table 1 for serving out food does not need to be used orneeds to be transported, it is folded by carrying out handlings whichare the inverse of the handlings as described above for putting thetable 1 in a working position. In case of the first embodiment of thetable 1, as in FIG. 1, the folding of the table 1 may be done bydetaching modules up to a situation where there is one central module 2a and two end modules 2 b, 2 c or two intermediate modules attachedthereto or one end module and one intermediate module attached thereto.All devices put above the working surface, such as e.g. supports 26,heating units 28, detachable illumination devices, sauce dispensers 31and so on are taken off, and the supporting pillars 29, 30 for each ofthese devices are removed as well. This may either be done by removingthe pillars 29, 30 by clicking them out off the central unit 3 a, 3 b, 3c for example, by folding them back or by pushing them into the centralunits 3 a, 3 b, 3 c if they consist for example of telescopic tubes. Ahinging connection 22 is made between the central module 2 a and each ofthe intermediate or end modules 2 b, 2 c connected thereto, and theconnected modules 2 b, 2 c can be folded so as to lay on top of thecentral module 2 a. This way, the working surfaces, more particularlythe conveyor belts 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c are protected fromexternal influences such as dirt and damaging. The legs 42 or frame ofthe table 1 can be folded as well. The table 1 can be turned over 90° soas to be in an upright position, and can be stored in a safe place in asafe position. Alternatively, the table 1 can be transported to an otherlocation. Due to the folding, the table 1 can be carried through doors,narrow corridors and in elevators. The folded table 1 is robust intransport. The separate, detached modules, if any, can be carried assuch. This makes the folded table 1 lighter to carry. Alternatively,further hinging connections (not represented in the drawings) can beprovided so as to enable to fold further modules (not represented in thedrawings) over the central module 2 a with two intermediate modulesfolded thereupon. This way, a harmonic folding is obtained. The foldedtable 1 may be provided with transportation means, such as wheels forexample, for making transport of the table 1 easier. Different kinds oftransportation means may be provided, depending on the wishes of theuser.

In case of a table 1 according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention, as shown in front view in FIG. 9A and in top view in FIG.13C, the folding of the table 1 may be done by detaching modules up to asituation where there is one central module 40 a, an intermediate module40 d and two end modules 40 b, 40 c or two intermediate modules attachedthereto. All devices put above the working surface, such as e.g.supports 26, heating units 28, cooling units, detachable illuminationdevices, sauce dispensers 31 and so on are taken off, and the supportingpillars 29, 30 for each of these devices are removed as well. This mayeither be done by removing the pillars 29, 30 by clicking them out offthe central unit 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d for example, by folding them back orby pushing them into the central units 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d if theyconsist for example of telescopic tubes. The two end modules 40 c, 40 bor intermediate modules are then folded over the central module 40 a andthe intermediate module 40 d respectively. A front view of thissituation is shown in FIG. 9B, and a top view thereof is shown in FIG.13B. By doing this, the coupling of the drive between the intermediatemodule 40 d and the end module 40 b, and the coupling of the drivebetween the central module 40 a and the end module 40 b automaticallydisengages. Thereafter, the modules 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d are turnedover 90° so as to be in a vertical position, as shown in front view inFIG. 9C and in top view in FIG. 13A. The table 1 is carried by a frame44 on wheels 45, which frame 44 itself can hinge at a hinging connection47 substantially in the middle, there being a vertical axis through thehinging point 47 of the frame 44 and the hinging point 43 of the modules40 a and 40 d. By folding together the frame 44 around its hinging point47, also the modules of the table 1 are folded together once more, asillustrated in top view in FIG. 12 and in side view in FIG. 11. Thisfolding automatically disengages the coupling between the intermediatemodule 40 d and the central module 40 a. In order to be able to fold theframe 44 together, it must be asymmetrical so as to prevent the wheels48 of the frame 44 from colliding. An example of such asymmetrical frame44 is shown in front view in FIGS. 9A-9C. Once folded, the table 1according to the second embodiment is easy to transport. Here again, theworking surfaces of the modules 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d are protectedfrom dirt and damaging.

In case of a table 1 according to the third embodiment of the presentinvention, as illustrated in FIG. 14 and in FIG. 15, the folding of thetable 1 may be done by detaching modules up to a situation where thereis one central module 45 a, an intermediate module 45 d and two endmodules 45 b, 45 c or two further intermediate modules attached thereto.All devices put above the working surface, such as e.g. supports 26,heating units 28, cooling units, detachable illumination devices, saucedispensers 31 and so on are taken off, and the supporting pillars 29, 30for each of these devices are removed as well. This may either be doneby removing the pillars 29, 30 by clicking them out off the central unit3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d for example, by folding them back or by pushing theminto the central units 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d if they consist for example oftelescopic tubes. The two end modules 45 c, 45 b or intermediate modulesare then folded over the central module 45 a and the intermediate module45 d respectively, analogue as for the second embodiment. By doing this,the coupling of the drive between the intermediate module 45 d and theend module 45 b, and the coupling of the drive between the centralmodule 45 a and the end module 45 b automatically disengages.Thereafter, the modules 45 a, 45 b, 45 c, 45 d are turned over 90° so asto be in a vertical position, also as illustrated with regard to thesecond embodiment in FIG. 9C and in FIG. 13A. The table 1 may again becarried by a frame on wheels (not represented in the drawings), whichframe itself can hinge at a hinging connection substantially in themiddle, there being a vertical axis through the hinging point of theframe and the hinging point 43 of the modules 45 a and 45 d. By foldingtogether the frame around its hinging point, also the modules of thetable 1 are folded together once more, and the result looks as theresult of the folded table according to the second embodiments asillustrated in FIG. 12 and in FIG. 11. This folding bends the conveyorbelt 46 shared by the central module 45 a and the intermediate module 45d. In order to be able to fold the frame together, it must beasymmetrical so as to prevent the wheels of the frame from colliding. Anexample of such asymmetrical frame is shown in front view in FIGS.9A-9C. Once folded, the table 1 according to the third embodiment iseasy to transport. Here again, the working surfaces of the modules 45 a,45 b, 45 c, 45 d are protected from dirt and damaging.

Preferably, for all embodiments, the components of the table 1 are made,as far as possible, from lightweight materials.

Cleaning of the table 1 for serving out food according to any of theembodiments of the present invention is facilitated. All parts can beeasily taken apart. The front plates or cover panels 21 of a module maybe made lose and taken away. Tension is taken away on the conveyor belt6 a, 7 a, 6 b, 7 b, 6 c, 7 c, 46 in any suitable way, and the belt 6 a,7 a, 6 b, 7 b, 6 c, 7 c, 46 is taken off. All this can be done by asingle person. The racks 35 are taken out by clicking or by sliding themover the side beams 34. The side beams 34 are taken out, as well as thecylinders 10, 14, 18, 19 and every single piece is cleaned. All partscan be easily cleaned with soap, for example in an (industrial)dishwasher. They can furthermore be disinfected by any suitable means.

Thorough cleaning of the table 1 after use may be done as follows. Acleaning cassette (not represented in the drawings) is slid over thefree extremity of a conveyor belt. This cleaning cassette is providedwith a liquid supply such as water or soap or disinfecting solutionsupply and a corresponding discharge means for evacuating used liquid. Abrush or other cleaning means is provided for actively cleaning thesurface of the conveyor belts. The conveyor belts are driven to obtainthis.

Cleaning of the conveyor belts during use can be done by providingmechanical surface cleaning means such as a turning brush and/or ascraping device (not represented in the drawings) which touch theturning conveyor belt and so remove food parts sticking on the beltsurface.

The turning of the brush may be driven by the turning of the conveyorbelt itself. The brush may be a dry brush. Alternatively, the brush maybe provided with an inlet of cleansing fluid, in which case the conveyorbelt is cleaned by cleansing fluid being brushed over the belt surface.In this case, an exit for dirty cleansing fluid must be provided.

The scraping device may comprise a scraper mounted on a cylindricalpipe, onto which also a mass is mounted. The scraper preferably has awedge-shaped tip for scraping parts from the surface of the conveyorbelt. The cylindrical pipe fits over a protruding part on the centralunit, and can rotate thereabout. The scraper is always pushed againstthe surface of the conveyor belt due to gravitational forces on themass, which pull the scraper in the good direction. Also the scrapingdevice can easily be taken off the protruding part, and can be washede.g. in a dishwasher. A scraping device may be provided both at thedrive roll of the conveyor belts and at the second cylinder of theconveyor belts. This means that a plurality of scraping devices may beprovided in the table 1.

Alternatively, a scraping device 52 may be formed by the housing of thebelt itself, as represented in FIG. 3A and in FIG. 14. By operativelyconnecting an end module or an intermediate module to an extremity ofanother module of the table, a V-shaped receptacle 53 may be formed. Thetop part 54 of the wall of the V-shaped receptacle 53 touches theconveyor belt and thus scrapes off food and dirt from the conveyor belt,which scraped off food and dust are collected in the V-shaped receptacle53. When folding the table 1, the V-shaped receptacle 53 can easily bereached for cleaning.

The conveyor belts may also be cleaned and disinfected by radiationdisinfecting means, such as optical surface cleaning means, such as a UVcleaner, i.e. cleaning with ultraviolet (UV) light. The surface of theconveyor belts is irradiated with UV light generated by a UV lightsource (not represented in the drawings). UV light decomposes organicmolecules. UV disinfection can be done while using the table, as well asafter having used the table.

It is an advantage of the table according to the present invention thatit does not contain dead spaces which cannot easily be reached, and inwhich insects, bacteria or other microbes could multiply or from whichold and contaminated or rotten food could fall down into the kitchen.

It is to be understood that although preferred embodiments, specificconstructions and configurations, as well as materials, have beendiscussed herein for devices according to the present invention, variouschanges or modifications in form and detail may be made withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of this invention.

1. A movable table for serving out food, comprising at least twomodules, the table having an operating position for serving out food,and a transportation position for transporting the table, the at leasttwo modules comprising an automated transferring device for transferringfood receptacles from one end of the table to an opposite end thereof,the upper side of the transferring device in operating position forminga working surface of the table, each of the at least two modules beingprovided with a transferring mechanism for transferring food receptacleson the automated transferring device of that module when the table is inthe operating position, wherein the transferring mechanism of a moduleis connectable to the transferring mechanism of a neighbouring module bymeans of a coupling which automatically locates itself to be operativelylinked with the transferring mechanism of the neighbouring module as thetable is brought into the operating position and operatively disengagedwhen the table is brought into the transportation position.
 2. A movabletable according to claim 1, the table furthermore being provided withmeans for fixing a support above the table surface.
 3. A movable tableaccording to claim 1, wherein the table furthermore comprises a devicefor bringing the transferring mechanism of a module into operatingcondition with the transferring mechanism of a neighbouring module.
 4. Amovable table according to claim 3, wherein the device for bringing thetransferring mechanism of a module into operating condition with thetransferring mechanism of a neighbouring module is an automatic couplingdevice.
 5. A movable table according to claim 3, wherein the device forbringing the transferring mechanism of a module into operating conditionwith the transferring mechanism of a neighbouring module is a manuallyoperated coupling device.
 6. A movable table according to claim 1,wherein the table comprises a single motor unit for all modules.
 7. Amovable table according to claim 2, wherein the means for fixing asupport is made integral with the table.
 8. A movable table according toclaim 2, wherein the means for fixing a support is telescopic withrespect to the working surface of the table.
 9. A movable tableaccording to claim 1, wherein the modules are foldable with respect toeach other.
 10. A movable table according to claim 1, wherein a modulecan be disconnected.
 11. A movable table according to claim 1,furthermore comprising a set of collapsible legs for positioning thetable.
 12. A movable table according to claim 1, furthermore comprisingcleaning means for cleaning the working surface of the table.
 13. Amovable table according to claim 1, furthermore comprising disinfectingmeans for disinfecting the working surface.
 14. A movable tableaccording to claim 1, furthermore comprising a heating unit and/or acooling unit for heating and/or cooling at least part of the workingsurface.